In a major relief for passengers travelling on Indian carriers, the civil aviation ministry has introduced new norms on Wednesday, instructing airlines to keep at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight free of charge for equitable access to passengers, who can also sit together preferably in adjacent seats if their tickets are under the same PNR.
The directive requires airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats without any selection charges, ensuring that travellers are not compelled to pay extra for basic seating. The move comes after widespread complaints from passengers who said airlines often restricted free seat options to middle rows while charging significant fees for seats together or in preferred locations.
Under the new guidelines, carriers must also ensure that passengers travelling under the same booking reference, or PNR, are seated together wherever possible. The ministry said this measure aims to reduce inconvenience, particularly for families and groups who have faced difficulties securing adjacent seats without additional costs.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the updated rules are part of broader efforts to strengthen passenger rights and improve transparency across the aviation sector. Airlines have been instructed to clearly display passenger rights on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and at airport counters. Authorities emphasised that strict compliance will be enforced.
Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience by reducing grievances and ensuring clear communication between airlines and passengers. As part of this effort, carriers must also provide information about passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider awareness.
The new guidelines extend beyond seat allocation. Airlines are now required to introduce clearer and more transparent policies regarding the transport of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. This is expected to address long-standing concerns about inconsistent rules and unexpected charges faced by travellers carrying special items.
In addition to regulatory changes, the government has announced a series of passenger-friendly initiatives at airports. UDAN Yatri Cafes will be introduced to offer food and beverages at reasonable prices, addressing complaints about high costs at airport outlets. Complimentary Wi-Fi services will also be made available to passengers, along with “Flybrary” facilities that provide free access to books within airport terminals.
The measures come at a time when domestic air travel in India continues to grow rapidly, increasing pressure on airlines and airport infrastructure to meet rising passenger expectations. Authorities hope the new rules will create a more transparent and consumer-friendly environment while encouraging fair practices across the industry.
The latest reforms signal a stronger push by regulators to place passenger convenience at the centre of aviation policy, ensuring that basic services remain accessible without additional financial burden.
